The university is to close the union building for two years for construction work to upgrade it as part of the estates masterplan.
Journalism student Thomas Boyle said: "It was just announced in Eldon this week. There’s going to be construction to connect the library and union building. They want to start in October and it will end in two years. So the union will be shut that whole time.
"I only heard about as I’m in a society, The Gaming Society. We were the only students at the consultation meeting. Everyone else was an investor. We are being kicked out of the building for two years. Some of the societies will be killed off. A union rep said they will try to let us have storage and help us rent out a warehouse."
The university has canvassed opinion and many students have complained. The university said: “We heard loud and clear how essential the Student Union building is for Societies to exist. We know how important these groups are in providing friendships and creating memorable experiences during your time here.
“While we can’t confirm dates yet, we will find a suitable temporary building to ensure that you still have access to a space until the work is complete.”
In a recent interview with Journalism students, the newly elected Union Development officer Dan Ummu-Salamah discussed how the union lacked vibrancy Students agreed, citing the lack of a bar and how empty the building usually is.
The current union building "lacks vibrancy" - cold and usually rather empty, with no bar
Estates Masterplan - Have your say
Have you say on the new plans and broad development proposals to “help shape” planning applications being submitted to Portsmouth City Council.
Visit The 3rd Space at the Student Union all this week (Monday 26 February - Friday 01 March) to view the proposed designs on the exhibition boards. You can leave feedback online by scanning the QR codes on the boards or online here.
All feedback needs to be received by midnight on Sunday 03 March 2024.
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